Workers Comp Guide
What Are Workers Comp Class Codes?
Workers comp class codes are 4-digit numbers that determine how much you pay for workers compensation insurance. Every employee on your policy is assigned a code based on their job type — and the wrong code can cost you thousands of dollars per year.
How It Works
The Formula Behind Your Workers Comp Premium
Workers Comp Premium Formula
(Payroll ÷ 100) × Class Code Rate × Experience Modifier
A real example
A roofing company with $500,000 in payroll for roofers (code 5551, rate ~$20/100) and $50,000 for office staff (code 8810, rate ~$0.20/100) would pay approximately $100,000 for the roofers and $100 for the office staff — before the experience modifier is applied. The class code is the single biggest driver of your premium.
Key Concepts
What You Need to Know About Class Codes
NCCI Sets the Codes
In Florida, the NCCI (National Council on Compensation Insurance) maintains the class code system. They define what each code covers, set the base rates, and update them annually. Your carrier uses NCCI codes and rates as the starting point for your premium.
Rates Vary Dramatically
A clerical worker (8810) might cost $0.20 per $100 of payroll. A roofer (5551) might cost $20 per $100. The same employee's payroll can cost 100x more depending on the code assigned. Getting the right code is the most impactful thing you can do to control your premium.
Multiple Codes Per Policy
Most businesses have multiple class codes on their policy — one for each type of work performed. A plumbing contractor might have codes for plumbers, apprentices, office staff, and outside salespeople. Each is rated separately.
Audits Verify Your Codes
At the end of each policy year, your carrier conducts a payroll audit. They review your actual payroll records and verify that each employee is classified under the correct code. Misclassifications — intentional or not — result in adjusted premiums.
Common Codes
Frequently Used Florida Workers Comp Codes
| Code | Classification | FL Rate (approx) |
|---|---|---|
| 8810 | Clerical Office | $0.15–0.25 per $100 |
| 8742 | Outside Salesperson | $0.40–0.80 per $100 |
| 8292 | Warehousing | $3.50–5.50 per $100 |
| 5183 | Plumbing | $4.00–5.50 per $100 |
| 5190 | Electrical Wiring | $3.50–5.00 per $100 |
| 5537 | HVAC, Residential | $5.00–7.00 per $100 |
| 5403 | Carpentry NOC | $7.00–9.00 per $100 |
| 5645 | Carpentry, Residential | $8.00–10.00 per $100 |
| 5551 | Roofing | $18–22 per $100 |
Getting It Right
How to Make Sure Your Codes Are Correct
Class code accuracy checklist
- Review your current policy declarations page — list every code assigned
- Compare each code's description to your employees' actual job duties
- Check if any NOC (Not Otherwise Classified) codes could be replaced with more specific codes
- Confirm office staff are coded as 8810 or 8742, not under trade codes
- Verify that owners/officers are correctly included or excluded
- Keep payroll records by job function to support the codes at audit
- Ask your agent to review your codes at every renewal
- If you have a new trade or service line, confirm the correct code before adding employees
Not Sure If Your Class Codes Are Right?
We review your current policy codes at no cost. If you're overpaying due to a misclassification, we'll find it and fix it before your next renewal.